This paper compares the performance and material costs of two candidate tubular permanent magnet topologies, viz., quasi-Halbach magnetized moving magnet and flux switching (moving-iron) machines for applications in active vehicle suspension. Both machines are optimally designed for the same operating conditions and under the same volumetric and thermal constraints. It is shown that while the flux switching machine has a robust mover structure, it has relatively low force capability and suffers from higher manufacturing cost, and a heavier moving armature which impacts on the performance of active suspension.